Plans are set for city’s first ‘dinner-on-a-bridge’
WOONSOCKET – Plans for the city’s first-ever dinner-on-a-bridge event have been firmed up for August with food from three local restaurants for the $75 a person fundraiser, the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative announced.
Dubbed “Twilight on the Blackstone,” the event will take place Aug. 26 on the Court Street Bridge, which will be closed off to traffic while guests nosh on gourmet food and enjoy live music. If it rains, the event will be held the following night, same time, 6-10 p.m.
“This event is intended to be the main fundraiser for our nonprofit organization, consisting of dedicated city property owners, business owners, nonprofit champions and community leaders that are committed to improving and promoting the downtown area,” said DWC Chairman Garrett Mancieri. “With the support of community
residents, visitors and sponsors we will strive to continue to work toward revitalizing our Main Street area with an emphasis on organizing, design, promotions and economic development.”
Deck-side dinners and civic events atop bridges have become increasingly common fundraising vehicles in cities around the country in recent years. The DWC hopes its newly minted Twilight on the Blackstone will become an annual gala, giving city residents and visitors an opportunity to see a picturesque riverscape – often taken for granted – from a refreshing perspective.
“Many residents and visitor drive over the Court Street Bridge every day but never actually stop to appreciate the beauty and history of the area,” says DWC Promotions Chairwoman Melissa Murray, who also serves on the City Council.”
She says guests will not only be able to enjoy the river and the mill-era architecture visible from the 100foot span, “they will also get a taste of some of the best restaurants in the city.
“It is our hope that this event will encourage people to see our city in a new and different way while also offering them a one of a kind experience,” said Murray.
The twilight feast will fea- ture a multi-course dinner prepared by three city restaurants: Kay’s, an established institution of local nightlight, will serve Chicken Maryland; Ciro’s Tavern on Cherry will dish up a tangy Thai Salmon; and the newly opened Brick House Pub will turn out Zuppa di Portuguese, a savory soup.
Ciro’s will take cocktail orders, and Kentastic Cakes will be on hand to treat guests with tasty “cocktail cupcakes” for dessert. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Entertainment and cash bar will be available from 810 p.m.
Vocal artist Paul Lowe, a city resident, will bring on the tunes.
Tickets are available via the website Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com) by searching for “Twilight on the Blackstone.” Individual tickets are $75 per person, couples $140, or a table for eight, $480.
Event sponsorships are available by contacting a DWC board member. More information can be found on the Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative Facebook page, www.facebook.com /downtown02895.
Because DWC is a 501c3 organization, ticket purchases and sponsorship may be considered tax deductible donations, event organizers say.